If you know scammers and how they operate, it’d be hard for them to scam you.
This post was sent to me by Kuda Microfinance Bank and I felt it would be relevant to us.

Get familiar (from a safe distance) with these common scammers who work harder than the devil.

1. The SMS Scammer

Mode of Operation: Sends a text message (SMS) designed to look like it’s from a bank with a link to steal account details.

Strengths: Clever, good at imitating banks, relentless, hard to trace.

Weaknesses: Spelling errors in the text message, the link in the message always looks strange (eg. nameofbank.agent.direct-link.com), the sender ID is usually a random phone number (instead of the bank’s name).

 Your Smart Move: Don’t tap the link. Just delete the message.

2. The Ponzi Scammer

Mode of Operation: Sells investment schemes that are too good to be true on WhatsApp, Facebook or Telegram.

Strengths: Makes sweet promises, usually uses a familiar brand to look legitimate, creates a sense of urgency.

Weaknesses: The interest is always extreme (eg. “Invest 2,000 naira to get 50,000 naira in 30 days!”), always too urgent (eg. “Today is the last day to invest!!!”), usually doesn’t have a physical office.

 Your Smart Move: Don’t reply or send money to the scammer. Leave any Telegram or WhatsApp group that looks suspicious immediately.

3. The Money Doubler

Mode of Operation: Advertises money-doubling opportunities online — social media, WhatsApp, Telegram and forums like Nairaland.

Strengths: Knows how to appear legitimate, advises you to start with a small amount so you’ll build trust, disappears quickly after receiving money.

Weaknesses: Never explains clearly how the money will be doubled, doesn’t have an office address.

 Your Smart Move: Avoid anything that mentions money doubling online and offline. It’s always a scam.